Incheon knife attack suspect faces scrutiny over electronic monitoring downgrade

Choi Chung-rak, a 59-year-old man arrested for a violent knife attack at a large commercial facility in Incheon, is under scrutiny following revelations that the Ministry of Justice downgraded his electronic monitoring status prior to the incident.

Choi, who has a criminal record of over 10 offenses including attempted murder, was previously classified as ‘high risk’ under electronic supervision. However, the Ministry of Justice lowered his status to ‘intensive’ monitoring, citing his cooperative attitude toward counseling and psychological treatment. Despite being caught with a weapon in a public space in early October, authorities did not reinstate his high-risk status, noting that he had not swung the weapon at people during that specific incident.

On October 13, Choi allegedly attempted to kill 10 people with a knife at the C&C Building in Namdong-gu, Incheon, resulting in eight injuries. He is currently in custody. Lawmakers have criticized the Ministry of Justice for failing to act on multiple warning signs and have called for increased electronic monitoring personnel and improved management systems for high-risk individuals.